While the state is deservedly known for its excellent theme parks and beaches, a Florida holiday offers so much more, with a thriving arts scene, stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural influences ranging from the Deep South to the Caribbean. Florida’sPanhandle has all the charm of the Southern states, with beautiful beaches, and is home to state capital Tallahassee. A trip to Florida isn’t complete without a visit to Walt Disney World, the fairy tale jewel in Orlando’s crown, while along the Gulf Coast, our luxury villas to rent in Florida are based near chilled out towns and incredible white sand beaches. Miami and Palm Beach offer exclusive glamour, while Key West is an unconventional tropical island with an independent spirit.

Sightseeing

The first thing one probably thinks of when it comes to Florida is the theme parks, and there’s a world of magic to explore in Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. A selection of our villas in Florida are conveniently located for both parks. Elsewhere, soak up the Deep South vibe and wander the museums of the capital Tallahassee or admire amazing Art DecoMiami. In Key West, make sure you don’t overlook its literary history in the rush to the beach and be sure to visit the Ernest Hemingway Homeand Museum and the Tennessee Williams Exhibit. On the Gulf Coast, seaside towns are home to a surprising amount of interesting museums.

Florida was the first part of the USA to be settled by Europeans, originally the Spanish and French, until Spain traded it to Britain in return for Cuba in 1763. After the American Revolution it became Spanish territory once more, until it was ceded to the USA in 1821. St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the USA, while Amelia Island’s interesting history goes back 4000 years to the Timucuan Indians and eight flags have flown over the island since. More about this fascinating past can be learnt at the Amelia Island Museum of History.

Nightlife and entertainment

Miami is deservedly famous for its nightlife, and with trendy cocktail bars and big name DJs playing the clubs, you won’t find a hotter scene in Florida. Most of the action is centred around South Beach. Tampa’s Ybor City has the coolest bars and clubs on Florida’s east coast, while St. Petersburg and Clearwater are the places for a spring break party. The theme parks in Orlando provide all day entertainment, with Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk carrying on the fun into the evening. For a more low-key vibe, try relaxed sunset drinks in Venice or Sarasota.

Nature

Nature is abundant in Florida, whether on land or sea. Take a boat trip off the Gulf Coast and spot the playful local bottlenose dolphins and friendly manatees as well as a variety of sea birds, or snorkel or dive with the turtles in Biscayne National Park, part of the third biggest reef in the world, just a short distance from Miami. Back on dry land, Florida has numerous national parks to explore, with hiking and biking trails and the chance to encounter the local wildlife. The large areas of wetlands in Florida mean there are also plenty of opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. For a real adventure, take a trip to the Everglades, where you could spot alligators, manatees, and the rare Florida panther.

Towns and Cities

State capital Tallahassee in the north has all the Southern charm of neighbouring Georgia and Alabama, while Miami is the glamorous, Art Deco party town with 12 miles of beaches and Florida’s hottest nightlife. Orlando is famous for its theme parks but also has a thriving downtown arts scene. Tampa has family attractions and the best bars and night clubs in south west Florida, while neighbouring St. Petersburg and Clearwater have family-friendly beaches and the crowds to match. The Gulf Coast towns of Sarasota, Venice and Naples offer laidback sophistication, culture and dazzling white sands. Fort Lauderdale has shed its spring break reputation to develop a sophisticated cultural and social scene, while Daytona Beach is a haven for race car and motorcycle fans.

Shopping

Shopping malls can be found in and around the larger towns and cities such as Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando and Miami, from upscale malls with the famous department stores and designer labels, to outlet malls where you’ll find big names at discounted prices. In Orlando, both Walt Disney World and Universal OrlandoResort have shopping and entertainment complexes where you can pick up themed souvenirs from mouse ears to homeware, while chic coastal towns such as Sarasota, Venice, Naples and Palm Beach are home to speciality shops and high-end boutiques. Many towns and cities including Sarasota and Orlando host weekly farmers markets where you can browse not only fresh produce but also jewellery and arts and crafts.

Beaches

If Florida is famous for something other than theme parks, it’s the beaches. The Gulf Islands National Seashore offers miles of undeveloped white sand, while the Canaveral National Seashore offers much of the same on the east coast, along with the chance to spot turtles in June and July. Miami and Palm Beach exude glitz and glamour, while the relaxed environs of the Gulf Coast beaches are perfect for families and couples looking to get away from it all. Finally, the Florida Keys are the closest you’ll get to the Caribbean in America, with white sand, turquoise waters and a laidback vibe.

Eating and drinking

Unsurprisingly, seafood is very much on the menu throughout Florida. Grouper, stone crab and rock shrimp are particular specialities, but you’ll also find a variety of fish, oysters, scallops, lobster and clams on offer. In north Florida there are influences from the Deep South, with southern style barbecue, fried green tomatoes and cornbread, and grits and biscuits with gravy on the breakfast menu. Miami is developing a sophisticated culinary scene, with influences from the Caribbean, most notably the large Cuban immigrant population – a Cuban sandwich is a must-try lunch. Cuban cocktails the mojito and the Cuba libre are also popular. In the Florida Keys fried conch is a delicacy, while key lime pie is the favoured dessert. The usual American chain restaurants are of course ubiquitous.

Arts and culture

Gulf Coast towns including Sarasota, Venice and Naples have a thriving arts scene and an excellent selection of galleries and museums, notably the Ringling Museum, the State Art Museum of Florida, originally the home and art collection of John Ringling who founded the Ringling Brothers’ Circus. The complex is comprised of a museum of art, the circus museum, Ca’ D’Zan Mansion, the historic Asolo Theatre, and education centre, and the pretty Bayfront Gardens. The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is deservedly well-renowned, while architecture fans will fall in love at first sight with Miami.